Pine Island Food Pantry incorporates
As the need continues to grow on Pine Island, so too has the Pine Island Food Pantry. In recent weeks the board of directors of the Pantry elected to incorporate the pantry to mark the organization as an independent entity. At one time the pantry fell under the umbrella of FISH and was endorsed by Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church. With incorporation, the pantry will enjoy the tax benefits as a 501(c)3 on its own. The new officers are President, David Higgins; Vice President, Patty Shelton; Treasurer, Barb LaPlante; Secretary, Dave Grueser and board member, Paula Montgomery.
“We are grateful to Fr. Michael who continues to support the pantry by generously allowing us to utilize the kitchen and pantry space in the Community Life Center at the church,” said Pantry President, David Higgins. “Not only do they allow us to receive clients at the Parish Life Center, we are able to store non-perishables on its shelves and use the freezers and refrigerators for the non-perishable items and we are not billed for the utilities.”
Relying strictly on donations from local businesses and individuals, the pantry demands have skyrocketed in recent years, yet, according to treasurer, Barb LaPlante, the pantry has been able to meet the needs of island residents.
“Inspite of today’s economy, people have continued to support us and we are holding our own,” said LaPlante. “I have been with the pantry since 1997 and when I look back, I am astounded by how things have changed. Just two years ago we supplied food for 16 to 20 families but last month, we had 95 families come in for assistance. As we have grown and demands have increased, we are fortunate that the people of Pine Island have continued to help in every way they can. It seems that no matter what you attend on the island, you are asked to bring a donation for the pantry. In fact I have heard it said that you can hardly go anywhere on the island without a can of beans for the price admission.”
Among the businesses and organizations that have made sizable contributions this past year are Winn-Dixie, Pine Island Scouts, the Matlacha Civic Association, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pine Island, the Matlacha Hookers and many of the island churches and those hosting bingo each week.
“In addition to donations from businesses and organizations, we also have individuals who continue to help,” said Dave Grueser, pantry secretary. “I received a call recently from a couple who are seasonal residents who wanted to know what the pantry needed most. To my surprise, they took their station wagon to Costco and loaded it and then delivered $600 in groceries to the pantry. This is just one example of the kind of support we get not only from year-round residents, but seasonal residents as well.”
While food donations continue to be received on a regular basis, according to Higgins, the greatest need is monetary donations.
“We spend about $25,000 a year on non-perishable items like milk, eggs, meat and cheese which represents about half of the food we distribute annually,” said Higgins. “Here too, we have relied on the generosity of businesses and individuals who have run fund raisers on our behalf and are truly thankful for their continued support.”
The Pine Island Food Pantry was established in 1995 when the Catholic church partnered with other churches on the island as well as the civic associations. At that time some guidelines were laid which only allowed families or individuals the opportunity to pay four visits a year to the pantry. With the new incorporation and installation of officers, those guidelines also have changed.
“The pantry’s only goal is to feed the hungry of Pine Island,” said Grueser. “Our motto states ‘because no one should go hungry’ so we now no longer set limits as to how often people can seek our assistance.”
In the early days of the pantry, more than 50 volunteers gave of their time to serve an average of three to four families a week while today the pantry only has 16 volunteers who pack groceries for nearly 100 families per month.
“Another urgent need of the pantry is volunteers,” said Patty Shelton, pantry vice president. “The volunteers we have now are very dedicated and hard working and things always seem to run smoothly at the pantry, however, more hands are always needed and welcome.”
The Pine Island Food Pantry is open Monday and Thursday each week from 9 to 11 a.m. and is located at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church 12175 Stringfellow Road in Bokeelia. No appointment is necessary. For emergency food assistance, island residents can call 282-9392 or 283-1979.
Those interested in making a donation to the Pine Island Food Pantry or becoming a pantry volunteer may contact the numbers above or attend the next monthly meeting with the Pantry Board of Directors on Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Community Life Center of the Catholic church.